The date 18th June was being looked upon as one of the biggest days in the history of the sporting rivalry between India and Pakistan. While the cricket teams from both the nations were gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy final, the hockey teams from the two countries were also looking to renew their rivalry in the Hockey World League Semifinal.

However, it wasn't really surprising to witness the Indian fans choosing the cricket match over the hockey encounter with Virat Kohli's men on the cusp of winning the Champions Trophy for a second consecutive time. However, what eventually unfolded at The Oval, didn't just leave the Indian fans red-faced, but a bit frustrated as well.

Tipped to overcome Pakistan's challenge in the final, the Kohli brigade failed miserably in an absolute shambolic performance in the final. Chasing a mammoth total of 338, the Indian cricket team was bowled out for a mere 158 runs. Clearly, the Indian fans were miffed, with some of them leaving the stadium much before the game ended.

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While Kohli's side was being hammered and staring at a heavy defeat at The Oval, the Indian hockey team led by Manpreet Singh registered their biggest-ever win over Pakistan following a 7-1 rout at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre just 10 miles away.

In what turned out to be a complete domination by the Indians, dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh (13', 33'), Talwinder Singh (21', 24'), Akashdeep Singh (47', 59') and Pardeep Mor (49') were all on target for India, while Pakistan notched up a consolation goal through Muhammad Umar Bhutta in the 57th minute.

While the scoreline might highlight India's dominance, it was Pakistan who made a bright start early on but couldn't keep up the pressure beyond 10 minutes. After getting an early chance to take the lead, Pakistan failed to convert a penalty corner that sailed over the bar.

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But, as the game progressed, the Indian team started controlling the tempo of the game with some quick attacks. Harmanpreet gave India the lead in the 13th minute, scoring through a penalty corner wuth a low grounded flick. India got another opportunity four minutes later, but Harmanpreet's flick was saved by Amjad Ali in front of Pakistan's goal-post.

India saw their lead getting doubled through Talwinder who combined well with Satbir Singh and SV Sunil. Three minutes later, Talwinder notched up his second goal after neatly lifting the ball over Pakistani goalkeeper to help India take a 3-0 lead in the first-half.

The second half witnessed the same intensity from India who found their fourth goal through Harmanpreet's set piece three minutes later. While India was running riot, Pakistan, too, had their share of chances but they failed to get past an alert kash Chikte who was guarding the Indian goal-post.

Chinglensana Singh came close to scoring the fifth goal for his side, but he was unfortunately denied by Pakistan goalkeeper Amjad Ali. In the 47th minute of play, Akashdeep combined with Sardar Singh in a brilliant one-two before scoring a sensational field goal from the top of the circle.

Two minutes later, Pardeep Mor drilled home from a tight angle to go past Amjad Ali at Pakistan's goal-post. India were cruising with a 6-0 lead when Umar Bhutta pulled one back for Pakistan. However, in the 59th minute, Akashdeep restored India's victory margin with yet another stunning strike.

It was India's third straight win in the tournament which also helped them maintain their top spot in Group B (nine points from three wins). The victory also ensured India of a quarterfinal berth in the tournament with a game still left to play against Netherlands on Tuesday.

While the triumph of the hockey team was clearly pivotal in the tournament, it also served as a great relief for the Indian fans who were left licking their wounds after a dismal show from Virat Kohli and his team at The Oval.

Congratulations to the Indian hockey team for a brilliant victory today!! 7-1 .... DAMN!! 👏👏😊#HockeyWorldLeague2017